Ukraine Strikes St. Petersburg, Russia As Economic Forum Opens
Ukraine has hit an oil facility and a naval base in St. Petersburg, the latest strikes deep within Russia. The attack comes just as the city opens a major international economic forum, with visitors from over 100 countries.
Ukraine Strikes St. Petersburg
REPORTER:
A blast rips through an oil terminal in St. Petersburg. It’s the latest Ukrainian attack deep in Russian territory, with another attack also hitting this naval yard.
REPORTER:
The attack comes just as thousands of influential people are gathering here for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an event some call “Russia’s Davos.”
REPORTER:
It’s a big Russian pitch for foreign investment and a push for economic growth in a country that’s struggling amid the war. Russian President Vladamir Putin is set to give a keynote speech Friday.
REPORTER:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has characterized the strike on St. Petersburg as a fair response to recent ramped-up Russian attacks on Ukraine’s cities.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT):
We're striking exclusively at oil refineries or military targets -- justifiable targets. That's what Ukraine is doing. They need to know that if they use drones and missiles against us, we'll do the same.
REPORTER:
Russia disputes Ukraine’s stance that it does not target civilians, blaming Kyiv for a deadly drone strike on this bus in the Russian-controlled Donetsk region. Eight people died.
REPORTER:
The Kremlin says it will continue with what it calls “systematic responses” against Ukraine.
Dmitry Peskov (KREMLIN SPOKESPERSON):
Generally speaking, I can say that the special military operation is ongoing, so that such strikes don't occur in the future.
REPORTER:
But Ukraine’s strikes on refineries, ports and fertilizer plants have successfully dealt a blow to Russia — affecting around a quarter of the oil-rich country’s refining capacity.
REPORTER:
With no backing down on either side, Europe’s deadliest war since WWII grinds on.
